* The Rangers are 7-4-1 in their last 12 home games. Only one of
those losses (5-3 vs. NYI, Jan. 21) was by more than one goal.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

* With each team coming off a loss, I wouldn't be surprised to
see both No. 1 netminders between the pipes in the second half of
back-to-backs. Tuukka Rask played fairly well in his first game
back and has great career numbers against New York, and we all know
what a workhorse Henrik Lundqvist is. If it's Chad Johnson vs. Cam
Talbot, please don't come back to shoot the messenger. Just
venturing my best guess.

* Speaking of guesses, I think we'll see an improved performance
from Boston's defense in tonight's tilt. The B's D hasn't been its
usual self since the Olympic break wrapped up, yielding nine goals
in the last two tilts. These aren't the same overly-conservative
Rangers we got used to seeing when John Tortorella (Melrose, Mass.)
was at the helm on Broadway, but I don't think they'll be as tough
a challenge as the Alex Ovechkin-led Capitals were Saturday. Still,
it comes down to the Bruins -- as they often talk about -- simply
doing their jobs. They can't allow as many odd-man rushes as they
have of late, plain and simple.

* The Bruins' fourth line was instrumental in the second-round
series win over the Blueshirts in last year's playoffs. They were
responsible for the game-winning goal the last time these two
squads met at Madison Square Garden, with Greg Campbell setting up
Dan Paille for a shorthanded tally in a 2-1 victory. After their
strong game against the Caps yesterday, look for them to keep the
good times rolling.